10 Best Things to do in Tuscany

10 Best Things to do in Tuscany

Tuscany is an unforgettable place.
Once there you will find wonderful enchanted villages to visit. And don’t forget museums and shops with typical products to taste!
After all, Tuscany is a place where you can find hills, mountains and also the sea. There is everything you can dream of!
Without forgetting the hills full of vines that in autumn turn into a wine that has no rivals in the world.
The food is fantastic, the climate in summer is the right one for visiting places and museums.
You will find unparalleled places and landscapes. And most likely you will want to go back because time in Tuscany is never enough.
The Tuscany region is as large as all Israel but with less population density. If you organize well you will be able to admire many things.
In this list, you will find the 10 Best Things to do in Tuscany.

1. Get lost in the Uffizi in Florence

Tuscany by kasabubu – Pixabay

The first place I list is the Uffizi Gallery.
Nowhere else in the world will you find such a gallery.
Inside you can admire a fine assemblage of Renaissance works.
But you will find also many other collections.
You will find works by artists dating from the 14th and 15th centuries. Among all, we remember Botticelli’s Venus and many others.
You can admire other works such as those by Giotto, Cimabue, Caravaggio. Without forgetting Tiziano, Piero Della Francesca and many others.
The Gallery belonged to the Medici family. And is located between Piazza Della Signoria and Ponte Vecchio. Don’t miss it!

2. The towers of San Gimignano

Tuscany by Makalu – Pixabay

San Gimignano is the place where you always come back. It is a place full of history and charm that must be admired in all its splendour.
Once you arrive you will notice the presence of many towers dating back to medieval times.
This town was the crossroads of the Via Francigena. For this reason, many pilgrims found themselves crossing it to reach Rome.
The towers were once 70 while now you will find 13 protected by Unesco.
Many artists dating back to the Renaissance stopped there to decorate the city. They worked and made the buildings magnificent.
Like Domenico Il Ghirlandaio, Benozzo Gozzoli and Benedetto da Maiano.
You will find yourself walking in narrow alleys. During your walks, you’ll be able to admire particular walls. They date back to the 13th century. Without forgetting the towers that were built as status symbols between rival families.

3. Visit Volterra

Volterra by Skitterphoto – Pixabay

Each town in Tuscany has its own peculiarity they are all different even if they may not seem.
This beautiful place has a Roman and Etruscan style and some Medieval pieces of art.
It was an important centre for artists and alabaster quarrying.
Once there you’ll find many excavations with outstanding collections and also archaeological sites.
Don’t forget to visit the Archaeological Park. Inside you’ll be able to see the remains of a very ancient acropolis. And also the remains of different layered buildings.
If you like archaeology don’t miss Vallebuona park. It’s a first-century Roman Theater with seating, an orchestra pit. They are still intact today!
Among the historic centre, you’ll find towers and houses from the 13th century.

4. The Carnival of Viareggio

Carnival by Couleur – Pixabay

If you are passionate about masked celebrations then in addition to the Venice carnival you must definitely visit Viareggio.
Here you will find magnificent costume parades and many wonderful floats.
You can participate in the celebrations and wear your favourite dress and represent your favourite characters. The carnival starts usually at the end of Februray, check on internet before booking!
A party not to be missed to have fun all together!

5. Be a tourist in Pisa

Pisa by Walkerssk – Pixabay

Once in Tuscany you should visit Pisa. Has you know, Pisa has a main attraction, Campo dei Miracoli with the infamous leaning tower. But you shouldn’t miss Campo Santo and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. And don’t forget to visit the National Museum and the Baptistery. I always suggest a nice stroll at the Port of Pisa and at Piazza dei Miracoli!

6. Hot springs at Bagno Vignoni

Spa Day by islandworks – Pixabay

If you are searching for a place to relax then Bagno Vignoni is the right one to visit. Here you will find hot springs where you can bath yourself and relax. Bagno Vignoni is a very unique place, you will find a pool in the center of the citadel. The pool is 49 meters long and 29 meters wide. This Renaissance-era square was built exactly above the original source of thermal water, the same that the Romans also used. Near the center of the citadel you will find a hot spring bath where you can relax and use sulfur to treat your skin. 

7. The Tarot Garden

Dwarf by stux – Pixabay

If you want to immerse yourself in nature then visit this wonderful garden.
Niki De Saint Palle during her travels was fascinated by the works of Gaudì and she wanted to recreate a garden made of sculptures of different materials.
In 1978 she started work on her Giradino dei Tarocchi on the landed property of Carlo and Nicola Caracciolo, in Garavicchio in southern Tuscany. The first models of her garden are based on the Major Arcana of the Tarot.

8. The island of Giglio

Island by Barabara Bonanno – Pixabay

This beautiful island is not visited by many tourists. And this is not good as it is a wonderful and colorful place to admire and to rest during your holidays.
Here you can go mountain biking, trekking, walking along the coastal paths.
Absolutely not to be missed!

9.  La Verna mountain

Tuscany by kasabubu – Pixabay

in this place you will find a beautiful Franciscan sanctuary to visit.
The complex is located on the Tuscan Apennines. Between the rock and many trees you will discover this magical place with its articulated architecture full of history and spirituality.
According to scholars, in the summer of 1224 St. Francis retired to Mount La Verna for his usual periods of silence and prayer. I recommend you visit it if you want to know more about its history and their traditions.

10.  San Miniato Truffle Tasting

Truffle by Polette2 – Pixabay

Tuscany is renowned for the presence of quality truffles. Once in San Miniato you must absolutely taste the truffles and taste them in the typical dishes of the place.
San Miniato is known for being the city of truffles. Find out about it before leaving as there are parties, festivals and truffle events throughout the year. Not to be missed if you want to taste the scents of this Italian product.